On February 18th, 2009, the fifth American Corner in Hungary opened at Corvinus University in Budapest. Like the already existing corners in Pécs, Debrecen, Eger and Veszprém, the American Corner in Budapest will provide a window on the U.S. for the general public.
The opening ceremony at Corvinus University took place in the Grand Hall in front of over a hundred educational, cultural, political and business leaders of Hungary as well as representatives of the Hungarian media and the Budapest diplomatic corps.
In her welcoming remarks Ambassador Foley called the new corner "a portal for gaining access to resources about America." And a place "to exchange thoughts and opinions with Americans." She promised that it would serve as "a venue for joint programs with the University, such as lectures, speakers, discussion groups, and exhibits, to increase mutual understanding." Once he concluded his welcoming remarks, the Rector of Corvinus University, Prof. Tamás Mészáros and Ambassador Foley signed the agreement establishing the American Corner.
After the signing ceremony, Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Distinguished Senior Scholar at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, spoke about nonviolent social change. Following the Corner ribbon cutting, there was a tour of the new American Corner and a reception for the assembled guests.
